We’ve heard it said: pets often sense when something is wrong, especially when their human companions are ill.
Our family has observed this in action recently. Our son-in-law broke his leg while skiing, requiring surgery and weeks of recuperation. Our daughter takes great care of him, of course. They’re a very caring couple. And they both noticed that their cats, Jerome (above) and Simon (below), have been extra attentive.
What’s even more interesting: Simon tends to be reclusive, and Jerome tends to be edgy at times. But they have both been showering our son-in-law with attention and affection.
It’s not just the cats in our family that have stepped up when someone is ill.
The canine crew has been just as observant and affectionate.
Kinu, the gentle-giant, was my constant companion through pain-riddled days after a car accident. Sometimes, he would put a paw on the side of the bed, as if to reassure me.
We’ve seen similar behaviour from our younger daughter and son-in-law’s pets too, staying extra close when someone is ill.
But right now, it’s Nurse Simon and Nurse Jerome to the rescue. They keep our son-in-law company when our daughter goes to work, and their actions make him smile.
As our son-in-law (and anyone who’s been laid up with injuries and been helped by their pets) knows, that’s a true gift.
Bravo, Simon and Jerome. And to all the canine and feline family members who help nurse us back to health.